Jaffna Stallions win the inaugural edition of Lanka Premier League (2020)

[MenInG]

After months of uncertainty, top-quality cricket action returns to Sri Lanka with the inaugural edition of Lanka Premier League all set to get underway in Hambantota from November 26. 5 teams will take part in the tournament and the final will be played on December 16.

The matches will be played at a single venue - the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota. While big names, including Andre Russell, Dale Steyn, Shahid Afridi and Irfan Pathan, have signed up to play the inaugural edition of the Lanka Premier League, it will be a big opportunity for youngsters from Sri Lanka to showcase their talent.

The matches will be played in front of empty stands at Hambantota and the teams have been in bio-secure bubbles in the lead up to the tournament. Strict safety protocols are in place in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

LPL 2020 - Teams and complete squads

The inaugural edition of LPL will see five city-based teams -- Colombo Kings, Galle Gladiators, Kandy Tuskers, Dambulla Viiking, Jaffna Stallions.

Colombo Kings

Angelo Mathews (captain), Andre Russell, Karim Khan Sadeq, Dammika Prasad, Manpreet Gony, Isuru Udana, Dinesh Chandimal, Amila Aponso, Ashan Priyanjaya, Ravinderpal Singh, Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Theekshila de Silva, PHT Kaushal, Lahiru Udara, Himesh Ramanayka, Kalana Perera, Tharindu Rathnayaka, Navod Paranawithana, Qais Ahmad, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Laurie Evans

Kandy Tuskers

Kusal Perera (captain), Kusal Mendis, Nuwan Pradeep, Kevin Kottigoda, Vishwa Fernando, Seekkuge Prasanna, Asela Guneratne, Naveen-ul-Haq, Kamindu Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Priyamal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Kavisha Anjula, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Samarakoon, Nishan Madushka, Chamika Edirisinghe, Ishan Jayaratne, Irfan Pathan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sohail Tanveer, Munaf Patel, Dale Steyn, Brendan Taylor


Jaffna Stallions

Thisara Perera (captain), Prabhath Jayasuriya, Wanidu Hasaranga, Shoaib Malik, Usman Shinwari, Avishka Fernando, Dananjaya De Silva, Suranga Lakmal, Binura Fernando, Minod Bhanuka, Chathuranga de Silva, Mahesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka, Nuwandinu Fernando, Kanakaratnam Kapilraj, Theivendiram Dinoshan, Vijayakanth, Kyle Abbott, Duanne Olivier, Tom Moores, Johnson Charles, Duanne Oliver, Sebastianpillai Vijeyaraj.

Galle Gladiators

Shahid Afridi (captain), Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammed Amir, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Akila Dananjaya, Milinda Siriwardane, Azam Khan, Lakshan Sandakan, Shehan Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Mohammed Shiraz, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Chanaka Ruwansiri, Sahan Arachchi, Duvindu Tillakaratne, Chadwick Walton, Ashan Ali, Abdul Nasir, Waqas Maqsood

Dambulla Viiking

Dasun Shanaka (captain), Samit Patel, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Kumara, Oshada Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Paul Stirling, Lahiru Madushanka, Upul Tharanga, Angelo Perera, Ramesh Mendis, Pulina Tharanga, Dilshan Madushanka, Kavindu Nadeeshan, Shajindu Colombage, Lendl Simmons, Sudeep Tyagi, Samiullah Shenwari, Anwar Ali, Malinda Pushpakumara, Aftab Alam.


Lanka Premier League 2020 (LPL 2020) schedule

Nov 26, 2020: Colombo Kings v Kandy Tuskers, 2pm GMT

Nov 27, 2020: Jaffna Stallions v Galle Gladiators, 2pm GMT

Nov 28, 2020: Kandy Tuskers v Dambulla Hawks, 10am GMT
Nov 28, 2020: Galle Gladiators v Colombo Kings, 2pm GMT

Nov 30, 2020: Dambulla Hawks v Jaffna Stallions, 10am GMT
Nov 30, 2020: Kandy Tuskers v Galle Gladiators, 2pm GMT

Dec 1, 2020: Colombo Kings v Dambulla Hawks, 10am GMT
Dec 1, 2020: Jaffna Stallions v Kandy Tuskers, 2pm GMT

Dec 3, 2020: Galle Gladiators v Jaffna Stallions, 10am GMT
Dec 3, 2020: Dambulla Hawks v Kandy Tuskers, 2pm GMT

Dec 4, 2020: Colombo Kings v Jaffna Stallions, 2pm GMT

Dec 5, 2020: Dambulla Hawks v Galle Gladiators, 10am GMT
Dec 5, 2020: Kandy Tuskers v Colombo Kings, 2pm GMT

Dec 7, 2020: Colombo Kings v Galle Gladiators, 10am GMT
Dec 7, 2020: Jaffna Stallions v Dambulla Hawks, 2pm GMT

Dec 9, 2020: Kandy Tuskers v Jaffna Stallions, 10am GMT
Dec 9, 2020: Galle Gladiators v Dambulla Hawks, 2pm GMT

Dec 10, 2020: Jaffna Stallions v Colombo Kings, 10am GMT
Dec 10, 2020: Galle Gladiators v Kandy Tuskers, 2pm GMT

Dec 11, 2020: Dambulla Hawks v Colombo Kings, 2pm GMT

Dec 13, 2020: Semi-final 1, 2pm GMT

Dec 14, 2020: Semi-final 2, 2pm GMT

Dec 16, 2020: Final, 2pm GMT

https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cri...062-2020-11-25



TV Channels – Sony Six and Sony Six HD (India), Sony Network (Sri Lanka), PTV (Pakistan) and Sky Sports (UK).

[silentkiller187]

Anyone watching the game, looks very amateurish at the moment, I’ve seen village club teams with better kit. To top it of they have the legend Aamir so hail and Russel Arnold on commentary, if sky are buying this then psl 2021 has to be a cert.

[SameerK]

The graphics and general presentation doesn’t seem bad but it does make you wonder why PSL has yet to make a major step in UK broadcasting. Heard it’s because those involved within PSL are unprofessional.

[silentkiller187]

The graphics and general presentation doesn’t seem bad but it does make you wonder why PSL has yet to make a major step in UK broadcasting. Heard it’s because those involved within PSL are unprofessional.

Wouldn’t be surprised and I wouldn’t blame sky if that is the case.

Graphics look good similar to cpl, commentary is the usual second tier journeyman, but it goes to show what can be achieved with a bit of professionalism..

Micky Arthur on commentary will be interesting tho.

[OldWarHorse]

Gony is playing...wow

[MenInG]

KDT 138/2 (13.1) CRR: 10.48
Colombo Kings opt to bowl

Toss:Colombo Kings won the toss and opt to bowl

Colombo Kings Squad : Playing: Laurie Evans, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Ashan Priyanjan, Thikshila de Silva, Angelo Mathews (c), Andre Russell, Isuru Udana, Qais Ahmad, Dushmantha Chameera, Manpreet Gony, Amila Aponso

Tuskers Squad : Playing: Kusal Perera (c), Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Irfan Pathan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Nuwan Pradeep, Seekkuge Prasanna, Naveen-ul-Haq, Kamindu Mendis, Lasith Embuldeniya, Kaveeshka Anjula

[SameerK]

This game is making me appreciate the PSL.

[Rana]

How can Sky Sports broadcast this but they have issues broadcasting the PSL?

[MenInG]

KDT 219/3 (20)
CLK 95/1 (9) CRR: 10.56 REQ: 11.36
Colombo Kings need 125 runs in 66 balls

[Titan24]

How can Sky Sports broadcast this but they have issues broadcasting the PSL?

I think cost of getting the broadcasting rights makes a big difference. As LPL is in its infancy stage with first season so maybe the rights would have been pretty reasonably priced and wouldnt have impacted the yearly budget of sky sports much.

[Gabbar Singh]

Some of these boundary sizes are akin to the ones ladies play with.

[SLCric]

Some of these boundary sizes are akin to the ones ladies play with.

No... Still the lines are more than 70 meters .it is a massive ground . Dimensions more than 100m +

[Deewana Mastana]

Graphics and kits were so-so couldn't even read the names behind the shirts due to the font and its size.


Boundaries seemed tiny and as any hit was going out of the park.

Still can't believe how this gets to be on Sky and not PSL

[MenInG]

KDT 219/3 (20)
CLK 219/7 (20)

Match tied - (Colombo Kings won the Super Over)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Dinesh Chandimal

[CricketZ]

Graphics and kits were so-so couldn't even read the names behind the shirts due to the font and its size.


Boundaries seemed tiny and as any hit was going out of the park.

Still can't believe how this gets to be on Sky and not PSL

Kindly do some research about boundary size before saying anything.. this is not a small ground.

[Waqasm75]

Hello guys,

Hope everyone of you are doing well in this difficult situation. I know Shahid Bahi missed his flight earlier, would he be able to play tomorrow’s match or no?

Please someone confirm this for me?

Thank you so much!

[Caved12]

Hello guys,

Hope everyone of you are doing well in this difficult situation. I know Shahid Bahi missed his flight earlier, would he be able to play tomorrow’s match or no?

Please someone confirm this for me?

Thank you so much!

He is going to miss the first two games. Not playing tomorrow.

[Waqasm75]

I am so disappointed with this news! He is my favorite player and I was looking forward to seeing him play tomorrow.

[cric_4life]

Only player to watch would be Azam Khan

[Thunderbolt14]

Anyone watching the game, looks very amateurish at the moment, I’ve seen village club teams with better kit. To top it of they have the legend Aamir so hail and Russel Arnold on commentary, if sky are buying this then psl 2021 has to be a cert.

It comes down to the pricing. I’m sure SL sold these rights dirt cheap just to get coverage.

It’s good news, not bad, that PCB is holding out until Sky stops being stingy. There is value to the PSL broadcast deal and any network would kill to have it, surely over the likes of LPL.

PCB is waiting till they can charge a larger amount, especially now with the return of cricket to Pakistan which enhances the value of the broadcast deal.

[MenInG]

Update: Shahid Afridi will be playing tonight as his anti-bodies test is clear and he is available for selection.

[MenInG]

Azam Khan in the nets for Galle Gladiators

[Deewana Mastana]

Kindly do some research about boundary size before saying anything.. this is not a small ground.

Before jumping the gun, read above as someone else said the same about the boundary size.

[Deewana Mastana]

They haven't scheduled any games on weekends (Sundays) at all apart from 1 semi final which will be on a Sunday, quite bizarre.

Should have kept double headers for weekends Sat (sat has) and Sun rather than on a Monday.

[Titan24]

Good luck to Srilankan cricket, players and fans for the first edition of LPL. Hopefully it can unearth more young players and can excel further in the years to come.

[Titan24]

Galle Gladiators look to have the best kit so far. I think kits of other teams need some work but its just the first edition.

[MenInG]

Galle Gladiators won the toss and opt to bat

Jaffna Stallions

Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Shoaib Malik, Minod Bhanuka, Tom Moores (wk), Thisara Perera (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chaturanga de Silva, Kyle Abbott, Duanne Olivier, Binura Fernando

Galle Gladiators

Danushka Gunathilaka, Chadwick Walton, Azam Khan (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahid Afridi (c), Akila Dananjaya, Milinda Siriwardana, Shehan Jayasuriya, Mohamed Shiraz, Mohammad Amir, Asitha Fernando

[MenInG]

[TrentDevil]

SL Cricket in a press release today confirmed that boundary size is 70m

[nextover666666]

Azam khan playing today for gladiators will be interesting Too see what can do

Can't lie Afridi does look good in that purple gladiators jerseys for Galle

[nextover666666]

I don't know what it is about Afridi but he loves playing in Sri Lanka doing a nice cameo so far

[nextover666666]

Afridi 52 off 20 balls
You beauty

[Mobashir]

Great hitting by Afridi.

[nextover666666]

Afridi over against duanne was epic with 4 sixes in it too bad he got out in the end but he had brought Galle gladiators back in the game

[Zeshan547]

Lala still got it, the eternal youngsta beauty.

[MenInG]

Regarding Afridi availability in Sri Lanka

Explaining the reason for clearing Afridi to play before the completion of his quarantine period, the tournament’s Medical Director Prof. Arjuna De Silva said, "Afridi had COVID-19 two months ago and he recovered fully. His three PCR tests were done in Pakistan and Sri Lanka and the results of these tests are negative".

"We also consulted Dr. Neelika Malavige, who is a COVID expert and sought her views."

Dr. Malavige is a Senior Lecturer - Department of Immunology and Molecular Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Sri Jayawardanapura.

"We also did Neutralising Antibodiy IPG by clinical immunerologist Dr. Neelika, who cleared him (Afridi) to play."

[shamaan]

How did azam Khan do as wicket keeper ?

[The Viper]

GG 175/8

JS 102/2 (12/20 ov, target 176)

Stallions need 74 runs in 48 balls. RRR: 9.25

[Saj]

A defeat for the Galle Gladiators.

Jaffna make 176/2 with 3 balls to spare.

Shoaib Malik made 27*

[Mobashir]

A defeat for the Galle Gladiators.

Jaffna make 176/2 with 3 balls to spare.

Shoaib Malik made 27*

Superb innings by Fernando.

Hopefully he will fulfill his talent and become a superb player for SL.

[Thunderbolt14]

Amir 29-1 in 4 overs. Couldn’t turn the tables for his team even with a high score set. Needs to find form and fast.

[Thunderbolt14]

Can anyone who watched the match live tell me how Azam Khan was keeping?

[SLCric]

[Realromeo]

Subpar quality was very hard to watch. Canadian T20 league had better talents than this.

[MenInG]

DVK 195/4 (20)
KDT 84/3 (9.4)

Dambulla Viiking won by 4 runs (DLS method, due to rain)

PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Dasun Shanaka

[MenInG]

Next up....


Galle Gladiators vs Colombo Kings, 4th Match

Toss delayed due to wet outfield

[Deewana Mastana]

5 overs a side about to start

Afridi is going to bowl

Russell to open the batting

[Deewana Mastana]

Amir v Russell

[Rana]

Amir’s career being ended here

[Deewana Mastana]

Amir v Russell

Russell taking him apart from the word go

[Darkrai]

Amir is getting spanked.

[Deewana Mastana]

Amir haha ��

[Deewana Mastana]

Amir has lost the plot can't bowl yorkers or anything

[Darkrai]

Amir has reached a new low.

[Rana]

This is why you can just throw your best hitter up and ask him to go crazy from the word go!

26 runs in that over

[Deewana Mastana]

Amir has become a trundler over the years what a shame

[Titan24]

Russell as opener having some serious wood over Amir by taking 26 (A 4 was kind of lucky) off his over.

[Deewana Mastana]

The look on the face of Chandana can't believe he's coaching this side

[Deewana Mastana]

This is simply carnage

They'll end up with 100 in 5 overs the way it's going

[Deewana Mastana]

They send Laurie Evans instead of Drummond Bell lol

[Rana]

It could have been 30 if Azam Khan did not dive and save 5 wides

[SensiblePakFan]

To be fair to Amir it is none other than Andre Russell, arguably the most destructive T20 cricketer out there.

[Rana]

Fernando 2 balls 12 runs

[Deewana Mastana]

It could have been 30 if Azam Khan did not dive and save 5 wides

Even Roshan was surprised how he stopped that with that structure as he said so himself

[Deewana Mastana]

Afridi can't believe that they're actually out there playing

[Rana]

Both bowlers went for 26

Is this stick cricket?

[Deewana Mastana]

Udana gonna rip through the Gladiators batting

[Deewana Mastana]

Both bowlers went for 26

Is this stick cricket?

This is beyond that

[Deewana Mastana]

Evans needs to get a single and give Russell as much strike as possible

[Titan24]

Russel with 44* off 11 till now

[Titan24]

I wish we could have seen more of Russell in international cricket

[Titan24]

I personally would have given Amir another over against Russell. The kind of touch he is in, its gonna be difficult for younger pacers as well to do something

and as I was typing another 6 to Amir

[Deewana Mastana]

Amir lol

[anakwalajinn]

Is that Aamir Sohail commentating? It’s been a long time since I last heard him! Definately more pleasing than Bazid Khan!

[MenInG]

Amir lol

1 over for 26 runs. What exactly is he bowling!?

[Titan24]

Wow!

[Rana]

43 off 10 balls against Amir

[anakwalajinn]

I personally would have given Amir another over against Russell. The kind of touch he is in, its gonna be difficult for younger pacers as well to do something

and as I was typing another 6 to Amir

I thought a five over game each bowler could only bowl an over each. What are the rules?

[Titan24]

Is that Aamir Sohail commentating? It’s been a long time since I last heard him! Definately more pleasing than Bazid Khan!

I personally enjoy dry humor of Bazid more and he isnt bad with his research work too

[Rana]

44 off 10 balls